O-037 The impact of COVID-19 on male fertility: what do we know?”

Abstract text Since the very early days of COVID-19 pandemic, concern has been raised about possibility damage to male reproductive system in those men who are infected with SARS-CoV-2. This was first by observation (January 2020) that route infection via Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE-2) receptor present on host cells. ACE-2 described year 2000 and subsequently shown 2004 be selectively expressed Leydig cells adult testis. opens up although is primarily a respiratory infection, it may also infect system. The authors several review articles have proposed fertility theoretically impacted SARS-CoV-2 number ways. includes alteration of: (i) testicular architecture; (ii) hormone profiles (LH/FSH); (iii) spermatogenesis as evidenced changes ejaculate quality; (iv) sperm function (e.g., DNA damage); (v) sexual/erectile function; or combination all five. Clearly each these individually impact chance pregnancy live birth either natural medically assisted reproduction. There transmitted sexually if sufficient numbers found semen. Reassuringly, 14 studies published date, there little evidence suggest semen so sexual transmission patient donor samples can probably discounted. However, currently an incomplete picture whether quality affected often limited fact no pre-infection control available for direct comparison they too short identify any long-term effects. Nevertheless, few case-controlled which compare non-infected (control) individuals statistically significant concentration motility, not clear this linked virus simply consequence febrile illness fever (or medication given combat infection). lack data hormones (although much speculation role testosterone might play severity disease). emerging reports increased risk erectile dysfunction following In terms rates, tell lockdown affecting behaviour fertile couples IVF clinic closures infertile couples. conclusion, pandemic over 130 million people worldwide we still know Given incidence long-COVID, asymptomatic nature some, important commission conduct monitor outcomes young survived infection.